Ever use 4 whl drive at a ramp?
 

Getting close to buying a truck. Think I may have to give up the 4 whl drive option and help save some money for a monthly payment. However, I'm getting a diesel:D

I've never had to use 4 whl drive before and I've been on some serious steep inclines too. I'm towing 7,000 lbs now, but who knows how much more in the future... I can't see myself bigger than a 30' with twin inboards. I know the truck can handle 22,000 lbs that is not in question.

I'm asking you how often if ever have you had to use 4 whl drive to get out of the water towing your boat?

Thanks,
Mike

My little bayliner is only about 3500lbs on the trailer but sometimes the ramps are slick and a little 4WD makes it simple...

Plus this little 4.3 Blazer really likes 4Lo in the grass.....kinda tight backing this thing beside my house....not to mention tearing the sand up...Errrrr......I mean grass....:crazy:

I use it each and every time just to put less strain on the truck and rear end. I would say that 4WD is a must.

Good luck.

Shane:)

We use it every time we pull the boat out. If we don't have it in 4 wheel drive the tires spin.

My wife uses it each and every time just to put less strain on the truck and rear end. I would say that 4WD is a must.
Good luck.

GLH
I'm usually in the boat. Thanks Shane didn't have to type everything.:D:D

Yeah, get the 4WD. It is sooo worth the payment that one time when you say, "damn, I wish I had 4WD" to get out of a jam. I had an S-10 Blazer, that I pulled PWC with. I used the 4WD occaisionally on sand and gravel when launching the PWCs. However, the 4WD shift mechanism, (vacuum line) went out on me once in a snowstorm, and I might as well parked that truck and taken my skateboard.

Geez, maybe I should wait until next year:rolleyes: I am surprised some of you use the 4 whl drive option as much as you do.

I have never spent the tires on my Yukon in 2 whl drive pulling my 272 Baja out of the water:confused: Nice and easy is the way I do it. Just push the gas enough to get it rolling and keep it that way. I do have 4 whl drive too with this Yukon.

If you do have a 4x4, make the decision whether to use it or not while still on level ground. Engaging the 4x4 can be difficult on the ramp under a load.

Use it alot, dont scimp its worth it!

I've found it really helpfull because I put in at a ramp in the harbor where the water level goes up and down a couple of feet depending on the wind so sometimes your tires are in the nasty green stuff.Everyone who's ever biffed in that stuff and bashed your legs on the trailer knows its gotta be the most slippery thing on earth, so 4wd is a must for me.

Yes to 4x4
 

At the begining of this season, we were working on the Black Thunder and while we were putting her away, we heard another vehicle spinning tires in the grass. It has rained a lot in MD and two guys were going to launch their boat for the first time of the season but could not get it out of the field. We went over to see if we could lend a hand (or a 4x4 truck) as their Ford crew cab dually did not have it. They were very grateful and saved them the time of calling another buddy to help.

We also sometimes use it at the ramp depending on the conditions such as the incline of the ramp or the tide at the time, or, as others have said, put less strain on the vehicle.

It really can come in handy and worth the money!

Re-sell will much higher on the 4x4. I use mine everytime just to keep the strain off the drivetrain.

I agree. However, I am thinking very long term here with this truck and that is why I am posting this question. I plan on having this thing a long time.

Unless lottery ticket hits:D

4-WD..LOW........Why put a strain on your truck if you don't have to ?

I have a Tahoe with the automatic 4wd feature. There is no 2-Lo. Rigged a switch on the dash that cuts power to the mechanism that activates the front axle. I now have choice of 2-Lo and 4-Lo. I use 2-Lo to save strain on drive line. 4WD and range can be a bind up problem. If all you are worried about is being stuck throw a winch on the front.

I have a 29' boat and used to have a 2 wheel drive truck to pull it...90% of the time I didn't have any issues pulling the boat up the ramp, but if the ramp was slippery or if it was low tide then I was screwed...

I now have a 4x4 and never worry about it....

I've never used it but sometimes I wish I had it. I have been at the local ramp (Blackpoint Marina) at "rush hour" and the ramp gets very wet. Due to my F-150's lack of weight in the rear I have often had to have spectators climb in the bed to get the thing out. I wish I had 4X4. If I towed a bigger vessel than my 25 I would certainly have to upgrade due to my local ramp's condition.

Never needed 4wd on 6,000 lb boat, but with my current 10,000 boat I need 4wd at some ramps. I always use low whether I have the front hubs locked in or not. I only need to come off idle a little to pull out in low.

If you are looking at a bigger boat, go 4wd.

I launch at a real good ramp. Steep enough but not too steep. Usually never a problem. But at LOW tide when your on the slimey part I've see my buddy in his 4dr f350 dually spinning his wheels , rocking back and forth :mad: and at 10pm it ain't fun.
I have had to use 4 wheel occasionally on other ramps.
Just like winter...you never need 4 wheel till you need it:rolleyes: Cheap insurance , the way I see it:crazy:

I have only had to use it once that was pulling my dad's boat . weight about 16000 pounds. 4x4 low lock . pulled it no problem .I would suggest a 3/4 or 1 ton . I did blow the master cylinder. 1998 z71 .

Mike, I have a '01 powerstroke and opted not to get the 4wd. My reason was the same as yours. I was hesitant to spend the extra $$. The truck pulls the boat out of the landing fine most of the time. But, I cannot get it off of the pavement if it rains. The front end is very heavy and just sinks. I like the truck, but wish I had spent the extra money every time I get in it. Do yourself a favor...spend the money, get the 4wd. Then you can park it almost anywhere. Andy

The incline is not the problem. However, water it. You will want four-wheel drive on a WET ramp.

Just my two-cents...

I have a 2 wheel drive and need to get a 4x4. Tommarow is a perfect example why. The ramp at my marina is steep and slippery so I have to go tommorow at hi tide to pull the boat out or I get the 1 wheel peel. That is not always convenient. One option to consider if possible is limited slip rear differential. I am considering an Expedition with a factory tow pckg which will include the limited slip and not the decrease in gas mileage.

I have a F350 4x4 dually and have never needed to lock it in, I tow a 42 Sonic and have but in at some real bad ramp's. I never spin the tires or feel that I am hard on the truck. If I was getting a new truck I would look hard at a 2x4, they ride nicer to.

I was just pondering that this evening on my two hour ride back from Ft Myers. I was thinking I don't use it that often, but the times that you do need it, you'd pay anything to have it. Go 4wd, you'll forget the few bucks you saved the first time you get stuck.

Sweetie, you live in Ohio, even if you don't need it on the ramp that day you will still appreciate having the op in winter. Go with it and good luck

Whenever the wife pulls the boat out, the truck is in 4WD. not that i need it but if the tires spin and fling a friggin" rock at the gel on the boat I would be pissed!!!!

Get the 4WD, if you don't, the first time you need it and don't have it you'll kick yourself.!! :eek: :mad:

is a 2wd truck really even a truck:D

just kidding, but seems like yo uguys in ohio got more snow than in the snowbelt of holland, mich this year!!!!

if you don't care about model year, buy an 03 this summer, there will be good deals, inventories are building.

Not even a qeustion
 

Luv, you need to go with the 4x4, becuase when you need it...you REALLY need it. Try carting around in a winter like we had this year in a 2wd truck. You will be admitted to the home for the beligerent by November. I'm telling ya....don't even consider not getting the 4wd, for the boat ramp, snow, ice, mud....whatever.

I have 4x4 diesel but have only used 4 wheel drive on some bad ramps. The bigger the boat the more tongue weight you will have so even with a big boat you will seldom have to use the 4 wheel option.

Someone ask Crazyhorse if he needs 4 wheel drive? 4 guys standing on the tailgate and just BARELY got the Cig out of the water in Floriduh!!! Dually diesel even!! Limited slip AT LEAST is necessary.

I only have a little Fourwinns Liberator and I tow with a Dodge 3500 and because of some of our docks around here, I still use 4 wheel drive. I literally crawl out of the water without using the accelerator. :D

I use 4low-but that was with a 4.3L S-10 Blazer. It really needed the grunt. I'll proably continue to use it just out of habit.

A solinoid valve can be added to the Dodges so you can have 2wd low. A fuse can be pulled on the Chevy's so that the front axel doesn't engage. The Fords, well....

Some will say you only need 2 wd, well you can also get to the other side of the lake by paddling a canoe. Which is easier?:)

I had a 2 wd and frist time on a wet ramp it would not come out .Bought a 2003 chevy 3500 4x4 . Got to have a 4x4 it doesent even strain on any ramps.

Fred, that is my thought too. I have never needed it, even when I've been on wet ramps, maybe I've been lucky the since I've been boating. However, is that option worth it to me? Only I can answer that-I know. Typically, if I'm going places/ramps I've never been before, there are other people with me, therefore, help would/should be there. Yet, I don't want to rely on other people. Interesting to read these comments.

Mike

Right. The 2500HD does have that option.

On occasion I'll use 4wh low.
One of the ramps we use is very steep. Changes height by 14'. The tires don't spin but it just makes it so much easier climbing the hill.

:D :D :D